A God In Ruins by Kate Atkinson (UK)

Another foray into the Todd family featured in her much-loved novel Life After Life, A God in Ruins flits back and forward through the life of Teddy Todd, covering his war service, marriage and the lives of his family after him. Atkinson was previously shortlisted for the Baileys prize in 2013 and A God In Ruins was shortlisted for the 2015 Costa book of the year award.•
A God in Ruins review, by Stephanie Merritt: ‘It is Atkinson’s finest work, and confirmation that her genre-defying writing continues to surprise and dazzle.’

Ruby by Cynthia Bond (US)

Bond’s first book – published when she was 53 – has thundered into the spotlight, winning athe coveted honour of being an Oprah’s Book Club pick. Ruby tells the story of its eponymous heroine, who flees a violent past for the bright pull of 1950s New York. Bond’s writing has been compared to that of Toni Morrison and Gabriel García Márquez.•
Ruby review, by Ann Friedman: ‘Ruby
is a love story about pure-hearted patience conquering insurmountable odds.’

The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks (Australia/US)

Pulitzer winning author Geraldine Brooks has a history of writing about Abrahamic religion and The Secret Chord is her latest, telling the story of King David.•
The Secret Chord review, by Meredith Jaffe: ‘In making David so satisfyingly human, Brooks has crafted from The Secret Chord a compelling read’

The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers (US)

Originally crowd-funded when Chambers lost her job, The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet is the sole science-fiction title on the 2016 Baileys longlist.•
The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet review, by Eric Brown: ‘Quietly profound, humane tour de force that tackles politics and gender issues with refreshing optimism.’

A Dictionary of Mutual Understanding by Jackie Copleton (UK)

Copleton’s debut novel is set against the backdrop of Nagasaki, Japan before and after the city was bombed in the second world war. Copleton was inspired to write the novel during her time living in Nagasaki.